Irish cereal output falls after challenging season
Teagasc has reported an 11% drop in grain production as reduced planting and summer heat took their toll. Dry conditions hit lighter soils hardest, while potato growers faced quality problems and some farmers benefited from easier harvesting.
Irish cereal production fell by 11% in 2026, from 2.162 million tonnes the previous year to 1.997 million tonnes, according to the Teagasc Harvest report. A smaller planted area and summer heat and dry weather contributed to the decline.
Dry conditions from June into July and high temperatures from May to July affected yields. Although drought peaked in August, most crops had already been harvested. The midlands and southeast suffered most on lighter soils, while heavier soils in the northeast fared better. Donegal had adequate summer rain, but frequent showers in August and September hampered harvesting.
Elsewhere, generally dry harvesting conditions meant less grain needed drying and straw could often be baled straight behind combines. Some potato crops suffered badly; irrigation helped where water was available, but later rain brought fresh growth, lower dry matter and maturity, and delayed harvesting.
Michael Hennessy, head of Teagasc’s Crops Knowledge Transfer Department, said extreme weather and poor prices would significantly affect farm incomes. Potato specialist Shay Phelan said crops without enough water or irrigation capacity “did suffer with both yield and quality issues”.
Tillage specialist Ciaran Collins said wet winter conditions had limited winter barley’s potential in the south. He warned that farmers would need to adapt as such seasons become more frequent.
The Harvest and Weather Impact reports are available on the Teagasc website.